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Hindu Religious Tradition: Shaivism Stephanie D. Butcher TR714: World Religions Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian, Ph. D. April 10, 2019

Hinduism is considered the world’s oldest religion. Scholars have estimated that Hinduism, it’s roots and customs can be traced dating back more than 4,000 years. With a million or more followers, Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world. Hinduism has no specific founder making it difficult to trace it’s history and origins. Hinduism is unique in that it has many compilations and traditions that allow its followers to worship in various ways. Hinduism has many different sects. There is not one path a Hindu can worship but many. The choice is theirs to make. The main denominations of Hinduism each have it’s Supreme Deity: Vaishnava (followers of Vishnu), Shakta (followers of Devi), Shaiva (followers of Shiva), and Smarta (followers of Brahman and all of the major 2

deities). The Sanatana Dharma, or “eternal faith” known as Hinduism is a family of religions that accept the authority of the Vedas as scripture. This research paper will discuss those who follow Lord Shiva. I will discuss the ideas of the origin of Lord Shiva and the religious practices associated with Shiva. Shiva A story of a being of enormous proportions and phenomenal capabilities arrived to India’s Upper Himalayas thousands of years ago. This being became known as Lord Shiva the Adiyogi or the first Yogi. Lord Shiva transmitted the science of evolving human consciousness to the seven great sages known as the saptarishis. These sages of celestial origin carried this science around the world in many different forms. Today this knowledge lives and flourishes in various manifestations and distortions. This spine of knowledge that Lord Shiva created remains a living force for finding enlightenment and is practice by nearly 2 billion people. Lord Shiva is one of the three main deities in the Hindu pantheon. Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma are considered the trimurti (holy trinity) in Hinduism 1 . Brahma is considered the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. In the eyes of his followers, Shaivites, Shiva is the most important one in the holy trinity. Shiva means “auspicious one”. The nature of Lord Shiva to his followers is “he is all and in all, one without a second. Shiva is the Supreme Being and only Absolute Reality.” 1 Shiva is immanent and transcendent. Shiva has the five powers to create, preserve, destroy as well as reveal and conceal. Shiva is one being, but his followers 1 3

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understand him in three perfections: Pure Consciousness, Absolute Reality, and Primal Soul. As Pure Consciousness, Shiva is pure love and light that flows in all and through everything. He exists everywhere in time and space as infinite power and intelligence. As Absolute Reality, Lord Shiva is unmanifest, unchanging and transcendent. As Primal Soul, Shiva is the manifestation of Brahma: creator, Vishnu: preserver, Rudra: destroyer. It is my understanding that this would mean, Shiva is actually creator, preserver and destroyer. Shiva is said to have both masculine and feminine energies. According to Shaivism, there is a divine masculine energy that forms Shiva and a feminine energy that forms the goddess Shakti. Therefore, these masculine and feminine energies are alive in all mean and women. Shaivism: Sects and Doctrines Shaivism is an ancient religion. Some Hindus have referred to it as the world’s oldest religion. “ Shaivism is ancient, ageless, for it has no beginning. It is the precursor of the many-faceted religion now termed Hinduism.” 1 Religious scholars have traced the worship of Shiva to more than 8,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization. Some of the sacred Hindu writings suggest there was never a time when Shaivism did not exist. Shaivism has four major sects. Each sect embraces the sacred texts including the Vedas and the included Upanishads, Puranas and Agamas. The Agamas are regarded as the most authoritative texts on Shaivism. Each sect or school has it’s own characteristics and their own philosophies. Although there are four different sects, all schools of Shaivism regard Shiva as the highest Supreme Brahman. These six main sects or schools of Shaivism are Saiva 4

Siddhanta, Kashmiri Shaivism, Vira Shaivism, Pasupatha Shaivism, Gorakhnath Shaivism and the Ganapatya Sect. Saiva Siddhanta is perhaps the most widespread and influential school of Shaivism. It is thrives amongst the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and throughout Southern India. The school of Saiva Siddhanta derives it’s doctrine from the 28 divine revelations known as the Saiva Agamas. There are also the 64 Agamas that belong to Kashimri Shaivism. Scholars believe the earliest Agamas were composed following the Vedic period as a result of a decline of Vedic rituals and the rise of Shaivism and Vaishnavism were becoming increasingly popular. Some would disagree with this theory. Many believe the Agamas are much older than the Vedas. There has also been speculation that some of the Upanishads and parts of the Bhagavad-Gita were actual renditions of the preexisting Agamas. Shaivism deems these texts superior to the Vedas. Unlike the Vedas, the Agamas are meant for everyone. There is no caste or sections of societies excluded from learning them. The teachings of the Agamas deal with the spiritual and philosophical knowledge associated with its deity. The mental discipline including yoga and other specifics are included also. Each of the Agamas are divided into four parts: “spiritual and philosophical knowledge, yoga and mental discipline, rules for the construction of temples including sculpture carving and finally the rules pertaining to the practices and observances of rites, rituals and festivals.” 3 Shaivism includes saints and philosophers. One of the most prominent was Nambi Andar Nambi, composer of the first seven books of the Tirumurai(also spelled 5

Thirumurai). The Tirumurai means holy division. This twelve-volume book includes hymns and praises to Lord Shiva. The doctrines of Shaivism do not differ much from other Hindu traditions. Shaivism assumes the same laws of karma and reincarnation as well as obtaining liberation from the illusion that is the material world and all its suffering: Moksha. Shaivism of course maintains that Shiva is it’s central deity that is the origin, cause and the end/destruction of existence. Three tenets of Shaivism include the pati (Lord), the pasu (the beast, creator of beings), and the pasha (the bond). These three tenets indicate that the Lord is Shiva, he is the cause and master of all things; the beast is the soul or self; and the bond is the illusory phenomenal universe in which a living soul is intertwined. The goal of the Shaivite is to free the living soul from it’s enmeshed entanglement within the universe and to realize it’s own divinity. 4 Shaivite traditions have some differences. The Shaiva Siddhantas beliefs are dualist as they maintain there is a clear distinction between Lord Shiva and the soul. The Kashmir Shaivites are strongly monistic affirming the ultimate unity of God and the soul. 4 Sacred Symbols There are a multitude of sacred symbols in Shaivism. Statues or paintings of Lord Shiva have some of these symbols included. There are numerous explanations for these symbols. Shiva is often seen with a trident. The Trushul/Trident symbolizes Shiva’s power to destroy ignorance and evil. It is also said to represent three powers of Shiva: will (icchya), jnana (knowledge) and action (kriya). This ties in with Shiva’s 6

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ability to destroy ignorance and evil. This Trishul also represents that those who commit evil acts or thoughts will be punished in all three planes: spiritual, subtle and physical. The Damaru or drum represents the cosmic sound or OM. Shiva is always depicted wearing a snake around his neck. Many Shaivites believe that this snake represents time in three forms: past, present and future. The coiling around his neck signifies the cyclic nature of time. Shiva wearing the snake reveals he is immune to the wrath of time and death. It is said the snake represents the energy known as Kundalini Shakti that resides within Shiva. The beads seen on Shiva are called Rudraksha beads. These are the beads that initially introduced me to Shaivism as they were a gift to me a year ago. The ancient Vedic text state Rudraksha beads were formed from the tears of Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva once went into a deep meditation with the goal of bringing happiness and love to all living creatures. Shiva looked upon the suffering of the world and shed tears of compassion. These tears fell to earth and became the seeds of the Rudraksha tree. The berries produced on the trees reveal the Rudraksha bead. Lord Shiva wears the Rudraksha on his head, arms and hands. Disciples of Lord Shiva believe the Rudraksha contain the secrets of the entire evolution of the cosmos and everything within it. These beads have been made into prayer beads used by the saints, sages, yogis and mystics throughout India, Nepal and China. They can be used to balance the mind as well as create the right environment for meditation. They are said to benefit in relieving stress, healing the body as well as having a powerful vibration that protects the wearer from negative energy or influences. 7

Another symbol depicted is the 3 rd eye or Triyambhkam or Trinetra. Devotees of Shiva believe this 3 rd eye is present in everyone. It is there to develop the sight of knowledge. Shiva’s 3 rd eye represents rejection of desires. Shaivism teaches everyone should have the following: Samta(balance), Doordrishti (broader vision) and Sadhuta (pure character). One must not fall victim to the lures of money, sex or fame. Yogis believe when the pineal gland or 3 rd eye area is awakened, one is able to see beyond space-time. A different frequency or realm is reached allowing one to move themselves into a level of higher consciousness. I understand this as a sort of spiritual antenna. The Kamandalu is an accessory of Shiva’s. It is a water pot made from dried pumpkin and contains Amrit (sweet nectar). Amrit is translated as immortality. This accessory represents the Yogi in lord Shiva. As the pumpkin is plucked, cleaned and dried to carry the Amrit, so to an individual must give up the worldly material desires removing ones-self of egoism eventually finding a pure spiritual form. Beliefs, Worship, Prayer and Pilgrimage There are twelve beliefs that Shaivism follows. These twelve beliefs come directly from the Himalayan Academy in Kauai, Hi. This book is the foundation of Shaivism catechism. I have just started studying this book in my own time. 1. REGARDING GOD’S UNMANIFEST REALITY Siva’s followers all believe that Lord Siva is God, whose Absolute Being, Parasiva, transcends time, form and space. 2. REGARDING GOD’S MANIFEST NATURE OF ALL-PERVADING LOVE§ 8

Siva’s followers all believe that Lord Siva is God, whose immanent nature of love, Parashakti, is the substratum, primal substance or pure consciousness flowing through all form as energy, existence, knowledge and bliss. 3. REGARDING GOD AS PERSONAL LORD AND CREATOR OF ALL Siva’s followers all believe that Lord Siva is God, whose immanent nature is the Primal Soul, Supreme Mahadeva, Paramesvara, author of Vedas and Agamas, the creator, preserver and destroyer of all that exists. 4. REGARDING THE ELEPHANT-FACED DEITY Siva’s followers all believe in the Mahadeva Lord Ganesha, son of Siva-Shakti, to whom they must first supplicate before beginning any worship or task. His rule is compassionate. His law is just. Justice is His mind. 5. REGARDING THE DEITY KARTTIKEYA Siva’s followers all believe in the Mahadeva Karttikeya, son of Siva-Shakti, whose vel of grace dissolves the bondages of ignorance. The yogi, locked in lotus, venerates Murugan. Thus restrained, his mind becomes calm. 6. REGARDING THE SOUL’S CREATION AND IDENTITY WITH GOD Siva’s followers all believe that each soul is created by Lord Siva and is identical to Him, and that this identity will be fully realized by all souls when the bondage of anava, karma and maya is removed by His grace. 7. THE GROSS, SUBTLE AND CAUSAL PLANES OF EXISTENCE 9

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Siva’s followers all believe in three worlds: the gross plane, where souls take on physical bodies; the subtle plane, where souls take on astral bodies; and the causal plane, where souls exist in their self-effulgent form. 8. REGARDING KARMA, SAMSARA AND LIBERATION FROM REBIRTH Siva’s followers all believe in the law of karma—that one must reap the effects of all actions he has caused—and that each soul continues to reincarnate until all karmas are resolved and moksha, liberation, is attained. 9. REGARDING THE FOUR MARGAS, STAGES OF INNER PROGRESS Siva’s followers all believe that the performance of charya, virtuous living, kriya, temple worship, and yoga, leading to Parasiva through the grace of the living satguru, is absolutely necessary to bring forth jnana, wisdom. 10. REGARDING THE GOODNESS OF ALL Siva’s followers all believe there is no intrinsic evil. Evil has no source, unless the source of evil’s seeming be ignorance itself. They are truly compassionate, knowing that ultimately there is no good or bad. All is Siva’s will. 11. REGARDING THE ESOTERIC PURPOSE OF TEMPLE WORSHIP Siva’s followers all believe that religion is the harmonious working together of the three worlds and that this harmony can be created through temple worship, wherein the beings of all three worlds can communicate. 12. REGARDING THE FIVE LETTERS Siva’s followers all believe in the Panchakshara Mantra, the five sacred syllables “Namasivaya,” as Saivism’s foremost and essential mantra. The secret of Namasivaya is to hear it from the right lips at the right time. 5 10

I am found 12 particularly personal. It is another reason I found myself on this journey of Eastern religions. I randomly heard the Namasivaya mantra while searching for music for meditation. I searched for several versions of it and finally heard one that “moved” me so much I found myself researching the meaning and now feel very peaceful when hearing it. There must be something to this Shiva deity. Spiritual teachers or Gurus help guide the devotee of Shiva in their path top self- realization and oneness with God. Temples dedicated to Shiva will always have a sacred inner sanctuary containing the image of Shiva in the form of a linga. Shiva-linga is a symbolic image of Lord Shiva. This simple structure is a rounded, elliptical, aniconic image, usually set on a circular base. It is said that the Shivalinga is the simplest and most ancient symbol of Shiva: God beyond all forms and qualities. 5 Some believe the Shivalinga derives its shape from sexual symbolism but my research has found most Hindus view the linga as a representation of Lord Shiva’s potency in every area and aspect of existence. Nandi is the sacred bull in which Shiva rides usually face the linga. There are sets of bronze bells that hang at the front of the shrine. Prior to puja worship these bells are rung to request the god’s attention. There is usually a vessel above the linga containing holy water that is allowed to drip onto the top of the linga during worship. This is symbolic in that the holy water honors the god. Oil lamps are lit at the front of the shrine also during worship and prayers. Incense are also customary to burn during worship. There are several important places of pilgrimage for the devotees of Shiva as well as all Hindus. The pilgrimage to the city of Varanasi is one of them. Varanasi is perhaps 11

the holiest place in all of India. Varanasi is located on the banks of the Ganges river. This city sits about 450 miles south of Delhi and is likely one of the oldest cities in the world. Varanasi is mentioned in the famous Epics of India and the Puranas as the “city of Shiva.” The Golden Temple of Varanasi is dedicated to Shiva. Many Hindus arrange to have their corpses transported to Varanasi in order to be cremated and have their ashes placed in the Ganges river in hopes of finding liberation or Moksha. Hindus revere Mt. Kailash as the center of the universe. It is said to be the home of Lord Shiva. Buddhists and Jains consider it sacred. Devotees of Shiva and many Hindus believe this is the place Shiva resides in an eternal state of meditation thus creating the sustaining force that holds the universe together. Jains believe this is where their first prophet achieved enlightenment. Devotees of Shiva come together to take the sacred walk to the foot of Mt Kailash while in meditation. A festival I hope to attend one day is called Mahashivratri. Mahashivratri is one of the largest and significant festivals in India. This festival celebrated on the darkest night of the year, celebrates the Grace of Shiva. The planetary positions on this night (using lunar calendar) are such that a powerful natural upsurge of energy within the human system. It is said to have benefits for one’s spiritual and physical well being while remaining awake and upright throughout the night. This festival is celebrated throughout India. From my research I have come to learn that Shaivism is another path given to humans to find their way to enlightenment. This path can lead to a union with the one true creator regardless of what name we give him/her or the energy that is. It has been fascinating to go outside of my traditional Christian upbringing and learn 12

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new religious and spiritual belief systems. I only feel I scratched the surface of Shaivism. I could have written another twenty pages I’m sure. My goal is to continue my spiritual research. I hope to find more classes to educate me more on the Eastern traditions. Bibliography 1. Subramuniya. Dancing with Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism = Sibena Saha Nartanam: San Atanadharmaphra Snottarm . Munshirma Manoharlal, 1996. 2. Oxtoby, Willard Gurdon., Amir Hussain, and Roy C Amore. “Hindu TraditionsAmir.” Essay. In World Religions: Eastern Traditions , 30–101. Don Mills (Ontario): Oxford University Press, 2014. 3 https://www.saivism.net/articles/agamas.asp 4. http://shiva.redzambala.com/vedanta/shaivism-introduction.html 5. https://www.himalayanacademy.com/media/books/12-beliefs-of- saivism_ei/web/ch06a.html 13